5 Things to Try When You’re in a Creative Rut | Multi-passionate Creatives | Joi Knows How

I like to think of creativity as ocean waves; there are ebbs and flows. One day you feel inspired, creative ideas rushing in and crashing to shore. The next day you experience a lull, the still quiet of a peaceful sea.

Generally, it’s best to ride the wave of creativity rather than push against it. Sometimes, though, you may find yourself stuck in a creative rut with no sign of a new wave approaching.

Here are a few things to try when you find yourself in that space.

5 Things to Try When You’re in a

Creative Rut

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1. Go for a Walk

A little fresh air can work wonders for your creativity. As you walk, focus on the rhythm of your feet on the ground and allow your thoughts to drift. If you can, leave your phone behind and instead, enjoy your surroundings.

Notice the color of the sky and texture of the leaves.

Even a short five-minute stroll around the block can be the catalyst for your creativity to flow back in.

2. Have a Go-to Playlist

There are countless studies that show how music affects our mood, productivity, and creativity. Find or create a playlist that gets your wheels turning. You may want to listen to classical music, but I also suggest listening to music in a different language!

I love listening to French music, for example. I can listen passively which creates the type of undistracted flow that lends itself perfectly to the creative process.

Try out various styles of music and see what sparks your creativity in the moment. Then, save it on your phone so that you’ll have a go-to playlist.

3. Do a Brain Dump

Sometimes what stands in the way of our creative flow is feeling like our minds are too full of uncompleted tasks. I shared about this in more detail in my post, 4 Signs You’re on the Verge of Creative Exhaustion.

When you find you’re stuck in a creative rut due to feeling overwhelmed, do a brain dump. Grab a sheet of paper and write down everything that comes to mind that needs to be done. “Dumping” your brain onto paper creates space in your mind for creative thoughts to come out and play.

I’ve created a set of Brain Dump + Prioritize Worksheets that will guide you through the process and help you take it a step further by creating a do/plan list. Grab the free worksheet bundle here!

4. Watch a TED Talk

There are tons of TED talks on the subject of creativity. Some of them go into the scientific aspects about what makes us creative beings, while others speak about creativity as a muse that chooses when to interact with us. Hearing experts speak on creativity can take us out of our own heads, open up our perspective, and encourage us to keep creating.

Here’s my favorite by Elizabeth Gilbert:

5. Change Up Your Setting

This is my personal favorite cure for a creative rut:

GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!

Go work in an open space like a library or coffee shop. Being in a new setting will get your creativity flowing and may also increase your focus.

Another thing to try is refreshing the space within your home. Swap out the artwork on your wall with something new or try that chair in a different spot.

Even adding a bouquet of flowers to your desk for a vibrant pop of color can make a big difference. 

Another quick fix for changing up your setting is lighting a candle in your workspace or burning incense. Both can work wonders.

Keeping crystals around your workspace can also serve as an added flow of creative energy.

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We all find ourselves stuck in a creative rut at some point, and it’s helpful to have tools on hand that can support us during those times.

If all else fails, when you find yourself feeling stuck, close your eyes and picture the ocean. Breathe deeply and remember that there is an ebb and flow happening within you.

Your creativity won’t stay away for long.

Thanks for reading! I would love to know which tip resonated with you the most.

Comment and let me know!

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